Colgate's efforts to turn quick-growing willow into fuel for the university's wood-burning plant were highlighted in yesterday's edition of The Post-Standard (Syracuse).

"This is one of those things that is environmentally and financially beneficial for the university," John Pumilio, sustainability coordinator, told the newspaper.

While the majestic trees on Willow Path have the power to warm people's hearts, a new 7½ -acre willow biomass farm on Hamilton Street will help heat the university.

Depending on the soil, weather, and overall conditions, last week's planting of 60,000 8-inch shrub willow shoots should yield about 900 dry tons of biomass over a 20-year period -- a drop in the proverbial bucket considering that Colgate currently burns about 100 tons of woodchips per day in its environmentally friendly steam-fired boiler.